For most growers, it comes as no surprise that nonorganic pesticides are incredibly dangerous for the land, the crops, and the end-consumers of any grown products. However, one of the most terrifying developments in the use of nonorganic pesticides has come in developing countries who fail to store their pesticides carefully. Sadly, stories continue to trickle in regarding pesticides being stored next to food and farming areas and causing a growing number of deaths throughout Ghana.

Ghana’s pesticide catastrophe is certainly not a new discovery. Last year, a study was published that highlighted the vast dangers linked to pesticides used in Ghana and the need for the government to get involved and take further action. Ghana farmers have first and foremost felt the effects of pesticides both during and after application. Form shortness of breath to body weakness to skin irritations, chemicals inhaled on the farms is causing serious illness amongst Ghana’s farmers.

Additionally, the misuse of pesticides is a threat to far more than simply the farmers, but for all of those people who will eventually consume the products being farmers. The storage of pesticides is another key issue in Ghana. A growing number of recent deaths and severe illnesses have begun to plague the country, all pointing to storing pesticides containers inside of or in close proximity to food stores. When the public consumes these food products, they are at risk of many diseases as well as death.

Unfortunately, without ample government regulations, the pesticide problem in Ghana will continue to grow. Private companies have a stronghold on the sale of pesticides in the country and those that are not sold by private companies are typically smuggled or unlicensed. All of these factors contribute to the severe health risk of all Ghana residents. The bottom line seems to be that organic pesticides must find their way to Ghana to begin to reduce the effects that current pesticides has had on the country’s overall health.